PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 30, 2020
Scenic Trail Viewshed Protection Act
This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a natural gas pipeline project that crosses or impacts the view from a national scenic trail under certain conditions.
Specifically, FERC may issue such certificate only if it determines that
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
the pipeline is the only alternative to meet an overriding public need;
the applicant considered alternatives in order to result in no, or minimal, adverse effect to the trail;
minimal road construction will be required to construct and operate the pipeline;
construction of the pipeline will use the best available technology in order to minimize the potential for leakage;
the pipeline will intersect the trail at a point that already has significant infrastructure crossing and only crosses the trail once;
the pipeline will not affect the viewshed of a trail in an area of high conservation, recreational, or scenic value, a protected wilderness area, an old-growth forest or alpine area, or the designated location for a shelter or campsite;
construction techniques for the pipeline will produce a minimal disturbance to the trail and surrounding conserved lands;
plans for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the pipeline ensure that it is done in a way that minimizes impact on the trail; and
the applicant acknowledges that it has a duty to protect the trail and ensure the health and safety of the public who use such trail and the surrounding environment.
People & committees
Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2] · D–NH
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Jan 3, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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